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Your guide
to summer
safety
F
oodborne illness.
“Looks can
be deceiving! When grilling, don’t
rely on the color of the meat to tell if it’s
done. Always use a food thermometer to
ensure that your hamburgers are cooked
to at least 160 degrees, and cook chicken
and turkey to 180 degrees. In addition,
when transporting
these items, ensure
that they are securely
wrapped to prevent
their juices from con-
taminating the rest of
your food items.”
G
row your
garden.
But
remember to wash
your fruits and veg-
gies thoroughly after
they’re harvested.
And before digging
into the dirt, check with your doctor
to make sure your tetanus/diptheria
vaccine is up-to-date.
H
eat illness.
For prevention,
dress in lightweight clothes and
do strenuous activities when it’s coolest
(early morning and after sunset). Seek
out air conditioning when you can.
I
tchy skin.
It’s a problem that can
affect swimmers in parasite-infested
waters. Known as swimmer’s itch,
it usually can be treated with corti-
costeroid cream, cool compresses or
anti-itch lotions.
J
ust minutes.
That’s the time it
can take for heatstroke to develop
in a child left in a car on a sunny day.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
K
eep your distance.
That’s
how you should think of light-
ning. When you see it, note how long it
takes to hear thunder. If it’s 30 seconds
or less, seek shelter immediately.
A
from
Clear skies
,
cool water and
fresh-squeezed lemonade—these are
images of summer at its best.
Unfortunately, they’re not all the
season has to offer. Summer also
presents many hazards, making this a
good time for a quick safety review.
void alcohol.
It doesn’t
mix with driving, boating or
swimming.
B
ees.
To help keep bees away,
don’t wear bright-colored cloth-
ing and don’t use perfume or scented
soaps. Cover food at outdoor events.
C
amping.
Give someone your
itinerary, and think carefully
about the equipment, supplies and
skills you’ll need for your trip.
D
ehydration.
“It’s important to
drink often during hot weather.
Those who participate in sports or
strenuous activities should drink some
extra fluid before the activity begins,
drink at regular intervals (about every
20 minutes) during the course of the
activity and drink after the activity ends.
Thirst is not a good indicator of dehy-
dration. By the time you feel thirsty, you
may already be dehydrated.”
E
pinephrine.
If you’re severely
allergic to insects that sting, car-
rying a device that allows you to inject
yourself with this rescue medication
could save your life.
Jenni Aschoff,
ATC, LAT,
Faith Regional
Sports
Medicine
Vicki Brown,
MS, RD,
LMNT, CDE,
Faith
Regional
Nutrition
Services
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